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Government officials are encouraging residents to vote by absentee ballot in the April 7 election due to the coronavirus pandemic.(Photo: Getty Images)

APPLETON - Mayor Tim Hanna said he had no intention of endorsing any candidate as his successor.

Well, he's changed his mind just days ahead of the April 7 election.

Hanna is endorsing Jake Woodford over James Clemons as the city's next leader.

"I know I said I wasn't going to do that," Hanna told The Post-Crescent, "but this whole situation (with the coronavirus pandemic) has made me rethink that. We're in the middle of an emergency, and between those two candidates, Jake's the one who actually has experience in handling situations like this. He's in charge of crisis management for Lawrence University."

Jake Woodford answers a question during a March 19 forum at The Post-Crescent. The forum is available for replay at postcrescent.com.(Photo: Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Woodford, 29, is a special assistant to the president at Lawrence University. He serves on the Appleton Redevelopment Authority and was the leading fundraiser during the first two months of the mayoral campaign.

He finished first in the Feb. 18 primary election, winning 29% of the votes.

Clemons, 62, is a senior account executive for Advocate Aurora. He served 20 years on the Common Council, including two terms as council president.

He finished second in the primary, winning 27% of the votes. He has promoted his council experience to differentiate himself.

"I'm leaving a 20-year history, and you know exactly what I stand for," Clemons said during a March 19 candidates forum. "You're going to know where I stand on each issue, and we're going to find a solution together. I'm not going to surround myself with like-minded people. ... Nothing moves forward without a little friction."

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James Clemons touts his experience as an alderman during a March 19 forum.(Photo: Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Hanna, though, said Clemons has been absent from the workings of City Hall for the past seven years. Woodford, meanwhile, has attended the most recent budget sessions and has met with city department directors.

"Jake's the only one who's engaged on a regular basis," Hanna said. "I've not heard one word from Jim."

Two mayoral candidates who were eliminated from the race in the primary election have endorsed Clemons.

Mark Todd, who won 6% of the primary votes, praised Clemons for his "high character."

Eric Beach, who won 5%, credited Clemons for "all of the life experience."

The winner of the election will earn a four-year term as mayor.

For information about registering to vote, absentee ballots and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

All of The Post-Crescent's coverage of coronavirus is being provided for free to our readers. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to The Post-Crescent at postcrescent.com/subscribe.